Full-body exoskeleton comparison: industrial buyers' guide
No true full-body industrial exoskeleton exists in our database. We compare Cray X, Skelex 360, MATE-XT, Apex 2 and AIRFRAME on specs, gaps and fit.
ExoSelect researchNo true full-body industrial exoskeleton exists in our database. We compare Cray X, Skelex 360, MATE-XT, Apex 2 and AIRFRAME on specs, gaps and fit.
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Editorial QA
Checked for sourced parameters, internal links and prohibited claims.
All specifications below are taken directly from the ExoSelect DATABASE JSON. Missing values are marked as Unknown or Not disclosed.
| System | Maker | Drive | Weight | Assist force | Lift support | Price from (USD) | Certifications | Warranty | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cray X | German Bionic | Active | 7.6 kg | 300 N | 30 kg | 9,900 | CE, ISO 13482 | Undisclosed | 6–10 weeks |
| Skelex 360 | Skelex | Passive | 1.6 kg | 70 N | 5 kg | 4,900 | CE | 24 months | Contact maker |
| MATE-XT | Comau | Passive | 4.2 kg | 100 N | 5 kg | 5,900 | CE, ISO 13482 | Undisclosed | 4–8 weeks |
| Apex 2 | HeroWear | Passive | 1.2 kg | 220 N | 20 kg | 1,195 | CE | 12 months | 2–4 weeks |
| AIRFRAME | Levitate Technologies | Passive | 1.5 kg | 60 N | 5 kg | 2,950 | CE | Unknown | Contact maker |
The term “full-body exoskeleton” is often used loosely. In industrial settings, it usually means a system that supports the back, shoulders, and legs simultaneously. None of the systems in the ExoSelect database meet that definition. The Cray X, for example, is a powered back exoskeleton that assists lifting and forward bending; it does not support the arms or legs. Passive systems like Skelex 360 and MATE-XT are upper-limb exoskeletons focused on shoulder support. Apex 2 is a soft exosuit for hip extension, and AIRFRAME is a shoulder-support exoskeleton. Buyers seeking full-body assistance must either combine multiple devices or wait for new products. This gap is critical for procurement planning: budgeting for a single full-body unit is not feasible with current commercial offerings.
Cray X is the only active system in the database. Its 300 N assist force and 30 kg lift support are significantly higher than any passive system. However, it weighs 7.6 kg and requires a battery (8 h runtime, 2 h charge time, hot-swappable). Passive systems are lighter (1.2–4.2 kg) and have no batteries, but their assist forces range from 60 N to 220 N. The trade-off is clear: active systems offer greater force but impose weight and power-management burdens. For full-body support, an active system might be necessary, but no such product exists in our data.
Only Cray X and MATE-XT carry ISO 13482 certification, which is the safety standard for personal care robots. Skelex 360 and Apex 2 carry CE marking but do not reference ISO 13482 in the database. AIRFRAME carries CE only, and its standards are unknown. For buyers in regulated environments, ISO 13482 may be a requirement. Note that CE marking alone does not guarantee compliance with ISO 13482; buyers should request the declaration of conformity. The database does not include EN 614-1 for any system except Cray X, which lists it alongside ISO 13482.
Several critical parameters are missing from the database, and their absence matters for full-body evaluation:
These gaps mean buyers cannot fully assess lifecycle cost, compliance, or performance without requesting additional documentation from makers.
If you need a true full-body exoskeleton for tasks requiring simultaneous back, shoulder, and leg support, none of these systems are suitable. Do not choose Cray X if your primary need is overhead work—it provides no shoulder assistance. Do not choose Skelex 360 or MATE-XT if you need lifting support for the back; they are shoulder-focused. Apex 2 is for hip extension only, and AIRFRAME for shoulder support. Buyers with mixed tasks should consider a multi-device strategy or wait for integrated full-body products. Also, if ISO 13482 certification is mandatory, avoid AIRFRAME and Apex 2, as their compliance is not confirmed.
To move forward, request a documented warranty term and a declaration of conformity for Cray X and MATE-XT. For a full-body approach, compare the Cray X with the Apex 2 to cover back and hip assistance, but note they are separate devices. Use our comparison tool to evaluate up to four systems side by side. For tailored advice, contact the ExoSelect selection desk. Browse the industrial exoskeleton category for more systems.
No. The ExoSelect database does not list any industrial exoskeleton that supports the entire body. Current systems target specific regions: back (Cray X), shoulders (Skelex 360, MATE-XT, AIRFRAME), or hips (Apex 2).
Cray X, with 300 N assist force and 30 kg lift support. It is also the only active system in the database.
The warranty for Cray X is undisclosed in the database. Buyers should request this information directly from German Bionic.
Sources: Manufacturer websites: German Bionic, Skelex, Comau, HeroWear, Levitate Technologies. Specifications from ExoSelect DATABASE JSON.
Editorial note
This analysis is based on published specifications and named sources. No first-party physical evaluation was performed.
Reviewed by the ExoSelect editorial desk